Malta’s SSPX Defies Vatican with Bishops’ Ordination

In the heart of Rabat, Malta, a small, determined group of Catholics gathered at the ancient St. Paul’s Grotto, defying the Vatican’s orders once again. They were there to witness a historic event: the ordination of two new bishops by the breakaway Catholic sect, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). This was not the first time the SSPX, with its strong presence in Malta, had challenged Rome’s authority, but it was perhaps the most significant in recent years.

Roots in Malta’s Catholic Soil

The Society of St. Pius X was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, a French priest who rejected the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. In Malta, the society has found fertile ground, with several chapels and a significant following, particularly among traditionalists who prefer the Latin Mass. The S.PIO Church in Birkirkara, a stone’s throw from the bustling Republic Street, is one of the society’s strongholds on the island.

Defying Rome’s Edicts

The Vatican has repeatedly condemned the SSPX’s actions, excommunicating its leaders and warning the faithful against supporting them. Yet, the society persists, arguing that it is the Vatican that has strayed from true Catholic doctrine. The ordination of bishops is a particularly sensitive issue, as it challenges the Vatican’s authority over the appointment of clergy. The SSPX’s move could further strain relations between the society and Rome, which have been tense for decades.

For the Maltese faithful who support the SSPX, the issue is not about defiance, but about preserving what they see as the authentic Catholic faith. “We’re not rebels,” says Joseph, a long-time SSPX supporter from Qormi. “We’re simply trying to live our faith as it was practiced for centuries before the changes of the ’60s.”

: Dialogue or Division?

The Vatican has not yet responded to the latest ordinations, but it is unlikely to take the challenge lightly. The question now is whether this will lead to further dialogue or division. Some Maltese Catholics hope that the SSPX’s presence on the island can serve as a catalyst for a more nuanced understanding of the issues at stake. Others worry that the society’s actions could create a schism within the Church.

Meanwhile, life goes on at the S.PIO Church in Birkirkara. Masses continue to be celebrated in Latin, and the faithful gather to pray, undeterred by the controversy swirling around them. As one parishioner puts it, “We’re just here to worship God, as we’ve always done.”